Difference between revisions of "Achaean League"
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A historical confederation of Greek city states that became politically important in the 3rd-2nd centuries <small>BC</small>. The Greeks called themselves "Achaean" from the belief that they were the descendants of the mythological figure Achaeus, the son of Poseidon. Homer uses "Achaeans" as a generic name for the Greeks who fought against Troy. There had been various leagues of Achaean cities for centuries prior to the prominence of that which was organised under the leadership of Aratus of Sicyon between 250 and 225 <small>BC</small>. | A historical confederation of Greek city states that became politically important in the 3rd-2nd centuries <small>BC</small>. The Greeks called themselves "Achaean" from the belief that they were the descendants of the mythological figure Achaeus, the son of Poseidon. Homer uses "Achaeans" as a generic name for the Greeks who fought against Troy. There had been various leagues of Achaean cities for centuries prior to the prominence of that which was organised under the leadership of Aratus of Sicyon between 250 and 225 <small>BC</small>. | ||
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At the height of its power, the Achaean League was a federation of city states. The citizens of the League participated in a popular assembly that had legislative and elective powers, though policy was often made by another body, the synod. This was a representative group in which each city state had only one vote. The federal council was composed of delegates from the member states; the number of delegates from each state was based upon the size of its population. Like the Aetolian League, the Achaean League had a general, a secretary, treasurer and minor officials, all elected by the assembly. | At the height of its power, the Achaean League was a federation of city states. The citizens of the League participated in a popular assembly that had legislative and elective powers, though policy was often made by another body, the synod. This was a representative group in which each city state had only one vote. The federal council was composed of delegates from the member states; the number of delegates from each state was based upon the size of its population. Like the Aetolian League, the Achaean League had a general, a secretary, treasurer and minor officials, all elected by the assembly. | ||
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See [[Antigonids]] | See [[Antigonids]] | ||
[[Category: Ancient Greece]] | [[Category: Ancient Greece]] | ||
Revision as of 19:59, 23 April 2023
A historical confederation of Greek city states that became politically important in the 3rd-2nd centuries BC. The Greeks called themselves "Achaean" from the belief that they were the descendants of the mythological figure Achaeus, the son of Poseidon. Homer uses "Achaeans" as a generic name for the Greeks who fought against Troy. There had been various leagues of Achaean cities for centuries prior to the prominence of that which was organised under the leadership of Aratus of Sicyon between 250 and 225 BC.
During this time, the League became a real military force in the Peloponnesus, driving the Macedonians from Corinth and challenging Sparta, that had become active again after a long decline. Subsequent to Aratus, in 222 BC, the Achaeans had to enlist Macedonian aid against Spart, but it wasn't long before the Achaeans and the Aetolians (who made up another league) were allied with the Romans against Philip V of Macedonia. The Achaeans didn't side with Antiochus III and the Aetolians in the war against Rome (192-188 BC), but they did attempt to shake off the Roman yoke during the Third Punic War (149-146 BC). It was at the conclusion of this war that Corinth was destroyed and the Achaean League ceased to be of any importance.
At the height of its power, the Achaean League was a federation of city states. The citizens of the League participated in a popular assembly that had legislative and elective powers, though policy was often made by another body, the synod. This was a representative group in which each city state had only one vote. The federal council was composed of delegates from the member states; the number of delegates from each state was based upon the size of its population. Like the Aetolian League, the Achaean League had a general, a secretary, treasurer and minor officials, all elected by the assembly.
See Antigonids
